New to sewing - a few dumb questions...

[kamilla626]

I got a sewing machine last month and just bought my first pattern ever. But now I feel totally overwhelmed.

The pattern calls for fusible interfacing. What is this for exactly, and do I really need it?

Also; a woman at the fabric store suggested I transfer the patterns to cheap muslin, so I can save them easily and so I don't have to cut up the original. How do I do that if I can't see through the muslin? I used black marker on a small part of the pattern, hoping that would show through the muslin, but it's so faint, I'm worried I won't trace it correctly.

Help!

[scrapadoozer]

What are you making? Usually when something calls for fusible interfacing it's a good idea to use it. It adds shape and support. It's that white flimsy looking stuff. You simply follow the pattern instructions and cut out the needed pieces of interfacing and then fuse them using an iron to the piece of material the pattern tells you to. Then you treat the fused piece as just any normal old pattern piece and continue sewing.

I can't offer much help on the muslin thing. I use cheap sew-in interfacing to copy my patterns.

[Vanessa]

You definitely want to use the interdacing. It's probably for a collar, around the neckline, or a placket on a shirt, right? It helps the garment keep it's shape and look nice. If it's used underneath buttons, it also provides stability to help keep the fabric from ripping with the extra wear.

I never copy my patterns unless they are really small, and then I use freezer paper since I can iron it on. I think sewn-in facing would be a lot cheaper and easier since it won't stretch and is much more transparent than muslim.


Good luck!

[Ellien C]

As for tracing the patterns - the good ladies here taught me some tricks.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...racing+pattern

I'll be the voice of dissent on interfacings and say they are occasionally tricks to get you to buy more stuff from the same people who make the patterns. I've picked up some vintage baby clothes patterns at garage sales and they don't use interfacing nearly as much as modern ones do.

SO - it depends. You *could* get away without it. But if you aren't sure at first, best to follow the directions completely.

[fibre_artist]

Re: tracing patterns - I tend to figure out if it's worth the effort. For sale patterns that either aren't that fitted, or I've measured already to know they'll be ok, I go ahead and cut. I could always pick up another one if I really wanted to. The patterns for basics that I know I'm going to make over and over, or tricky patterns that I might have to go through a couple of trials to get right, or ones that I anticipate using more than one size, I take the time to trace. I like freezer paper too.

You should look at buying/borrowing a general sewing guide (Vogue Sewing, Reader's Digest version that I have but never remember the name...) - you'll get more detailed steps for sewing terms and reasons why things are asked - like interfacing. I use it, but for unimportant items I use the packaged store-brand cheap stuff .